Lynch, who plays Mufasa in The Lion King stage production, LION follows Kio over four years, documenting his extraordinary journey through family conflict, survival and leadership in Kenya’s Maasai Mara. The series marks the first natural history production to capture a lion’s complete story from cub to adulthood. Drawing inspiration from recordings made in the Maasai Mara, the soundtrack incorporates local singers, traditional instruments and even lion roars, while subtly referencing themes from The Lion King. Alongside the series launch, Disney is continuing its Protect the Pride conservation campaign in partnership with the Wildlife Conservation Network’s Lion Recovery Fund. Produced by BBC Studios Natural History Unit for National Geographic, LION premieres on Thursday 20 August, airing in two weekly double bills at 8pm and 9pm on National Geographic.